Sebastian Vettel claims Mercedes at advantage after private test – Formula 1 news
Sebastian Vettel has claimed that Mercedes have gained quite a lot after their controversial test with Pirelli in Barcelona.
The Red Bull driver said, “I don't know exactly the tyres they used, but I think you always learn when you are on the track. At some point you use tyres that you have already used or that you will use in the future, so in that regard every lap matters.”
He added, “We all know how important testing is in the winter. The quality of the testing is not the same because the conditions are different. The cars are very early in their development so if you have the chance somewhere in the middle of the season to
have a test, or three days, then it's a big help.”
Mercedes have come under the scanner after their private test with the tyre manufacturers. No team is allowed to conduct such a session with their current car, thus FIA has taken notice of the incident.
However, it is yet to be seen whether the German giants have really gained any advantage after their test, as they have not competed on a track, where tyre degradation has come into play.
At the moment, all teams are in Canada for the seventh race of the season and everyone will be looking toward Mercedes’ performance in the Friday practice sessions. If the team does well on longer runs, it would certainly put them in more trouble, as this
has been their weak point over the past few years.
During the last race in Monaco, the Brackley based squad did not seem to have any issues whatsoever, but one cannot really say whether that was because of the tyre test or some other reason. Both their drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had the speed
to challenge for the podium.
However, the former of the two failed to do so and ended up in fourth place. His team-mate did not lose focus in the race and grabbed the opportunity with both hands, winning the second race of his career. He will be hoping to repeat the same result in Canada
too, but will be dependent on how his tyres behave.
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